Lady Spikers sweep Lady Bulldogs, return to Finals

by Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA, Philippines (3rd UPDATE) – The De La Salle Lady Spikers booked a return trip to the UAAP women's volleyball finals after sweeping the National University Lady Bulldogs in their UAAP Season 75 Final Four match Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Spikers, seeking a third straight volleyball championship, relied on their trademark blocking en route to a 25-18, 25-23 and 25-18 victory over the Lady Bulldogs.

It is the fifth straight Finals appearance for the Lady Spikers, who also earned their 14th straight win in Season 75 after losing their opening game to the University of Sto. Tomas Tigresses.

After a close start in the first set, the Lady Spikers pulled ahead following the first technical timeout. Marano, last season's Most Valuable Player, spearheaded La Salle's charge as they raced to a 16-11 lead.

Despite a late rally by NU, the Lady Spikers would not be denied as Reyes and Galang scored the last three points of the set for La Salle.

In Set 2, unforced errors by the Lady Spikers along with a strong effort by NU's DinDin Santiago allowed the Lady Bulldogs to take a 16-12 lead, their largest of the match.